Electrical mechanic

Electrical mechanics install, repair and maintain mechanical and electrical components of machinery, tools and equipment. They test electrical parts to ensure efficiency and make improvements accordingly.

Electrical mechanics typically do some or all of the following duties:

• Test and observe electrical, electronic and mechanical components and systems using testing and measuring instruments
• Troubleshoot and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear, generators and other electro-mechanical equipment
• Replace or recondition shafts, bearings, commutators and other components
• Wind, assemble and install various types of coils for electric motors or transformers
• Perform static or dynamic balancing of armatures or rotors by welding, brazing or soldering electrical connections and by aligning and adjusting parts
• Test and repair or replace faulty wiring or components in electrical switchgear
• Test repaired motors, transformers, switchgear or other electrical apparatus to ensure proper performance
• Perform some machining to recondition or modify shafts, commutators or other parts
• Perform on-site servicing and repair.
• Electrical mechanics may specialize in working with certain types of apparatus, such as electric motors or transformers, or in performing certain functions, such as winding coils.

The following job titles also refer to electrical mechanic:

electrical maintenance mechanic
maintenance electrician
production electrician
electrotechnical panel mechanic
electrical repair mechanic
electrotechnical panel builder
electrical diagnostic mechanic
electrical test mechanic
electrical installation mechanic
installation electrician
electrician
diagnostic electrician

Electrical mechanics work in a variety of settings, including power plants, factories, office buildings, and homes. They may work both indoors and outdoors, and their work may require them to be exposed to noise, dust, and grease. They may work in cramped or awkward positions, and they may be required to lift heavy objects.

Electrical mechanics typically work a 40-hour week, but they may have to work overtime to meet deadlines or to respond to emergencies.

Most employers require an associate’s degree in electrical or electronic engineering. Students can expect to learn about the basics of electricity, electronics, computer-aided design and manufacturing, and physics.

Most employers require their electrical mechanics to complete a training program before they begin working on their own. These programs can last from a few weeks to a few months and teach the basics of the job, including safety, how to use tools and how to complete common tasks.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Electrical mechanic is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to electrical mechanic.

industrial electrician
domestic electrician
building electrician
electrician
security alarm technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of electrical mechanic. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of electrical mechanic with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

electrical supervisor
desalination technician
aircraft maintenance engineer
gas processing plant control room operator
solar power plant operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of electrical mechanic.

• Electromechanics: The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.
• Electrical safety regulations: The safety measures, standards and regulations for working with electrical equipment and the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical wiring and installations.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of electrical mechanic.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Inspect electrical supplies: Check electrical supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems.
• Maintain electrical equipment: Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
• Fit mechanised equipment: Fit mechanical equipment such as hoists and winches to various types of car chassis.
• Splice cable: Join and weave electric and communications cable and trunk lines together.
• Test electromechanical systems: Test electromechanical systems, machines, and components using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Install electrical and electronic equipment: Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Assemble electromechanical systems: Put together electromechanical equipment and machinery according to specifications.
• Calibrate electromechanical system: Correct and adjust the reliability of an electromechanical system by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer.
• Comply with electrical safety regulations: Comply with safety measures, standards and regulations for working with electrical equipment and the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical wiring and installations.
• Apply safety management: Apply and supervise measures and regulations concerning security and safety in order to maintain a safe environment in the workplace.
• Use precision tools: Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools for precision work.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Test electronic units: Test electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Maintain electromechanical equipment: Diagnose and detect malfunctions in electromechanical components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing the components and machines in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of electrical mechanic. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Soldering techniques: The various techniques for joining pieces of metal together by melting and applying a filler metal into the joint between the two pieces such as silver soldering and induction soldering.
• Electrical wire accessories: Electrical wire and cable products and accessories, such as electrical connectors, splices, and wire insulation.
• Battery components: The physical components, such as wiring, electronics and voltaic cells that can be found in batteries. The components vary according to size and type of battery.
• Electrical testing methods: Test procedures performed on electrical equipment and machinery in order to check the performance and quality of the electrical equipment and their adherence to specifications. During these tests electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance, are measured using electrical measuring equipment, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters.
• Electric generators: The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
• Electrical wiring plans: Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.
• Automation technology: Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of electrical mechanic. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Answer requests for quotation: Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
• Apply coating to electrical equipment: Prepare and apply coating, such as conformal coating, to electrical equipment and its components to protect the equipment against moisture, high temperature, and dust.
• Maintain electrical engines: Understanding of electrical circuits and being able to repair. Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Assemble electronic units: Assemble and maintain electronic components and electronic circuits.
• Install electricity sockets: Install electricity sockets into walls or sub-floor compartments. Isolate all electric cables in the socket to prevent accidents.
• Make electrical calculations: Determine the type, size and number of pieces of electrical equipment for a given distribution area by making complex electrical calculations. These are made for instruments such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches and lightning arresters.
• Install circuit breakers: Install electrical switches designed to switch off automatically in case of an overload or short-circuit. Organise circuit breakers in the panel logically. Make sure no foreign objects are introduced into the panel. Use only circuit breakers approved for the panel, usually the same manufacturer.
• Repair battery components: Repair battery components through replacing cells, repairing wiring, or spot-welding cells.
• Install automotive electrical equipment: Place electrical circuits and wiring in vehicles such as lighting and voltage gauges. These distribute and regulate electrical power and supply it to meters and other devices in the car.
• Order electrical supplies: Order the required materials for assembling electrical equipment, paying attention to the price, quality, and suitability of the materials.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Repair wiring: Find faults in wires or cables by using specialised equipment and repair these faults depending on type of wiring.
• Install electric switches: Prepare wires for installation in a switch. Wire the switch. Install it securely in the right location.
• Write inspection reports: Write the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection’s processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.
• Assemble mechatronic units: Assemble mechatronic units using mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, and information technology systems and components. Manipulate and attach metals through using welding and soldering techniques, glue, screws, and rivets. Install wiring. Install drive systems, sensors, actuators, and transducers. Mount switches, control devices, coverings, and protection.
• Operate soldering equipment: Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

7412 – Electrical mechanics and fitters

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References

1. Electrical mechanic – ESCO
2. Electrical Mechanic in Canada | Job Description – Job Bank
3. Electrical Mechanic Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
4. Featured image: By Educatievisie – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0